The outspoken US Open champion Rory McIlroy has got involved in the Steve Williams-Tiger Woods controversy, suggesting the caddie from New Zealand “went a little far” in his post-victory comments at the WGC- Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

Williams had said that Scott’s victory at the Firestone Country Club was “the best win I've ever had,” this despite having 13 majors and 16 world titles among his credentials gained alongside Woods.

McIlroy, speaking on the Golf Channel ahead of this week's USPGA Championship in Atlanta, said:

"You say things in the heat of the moment - Stevie maybe went a little far.

"I definitely think it took away from Adam's win. It was a phenomenal win - he played unbelievable all week.

"Adam's the one hitting the shots. Stevie's obviously had a good influence on him the last four weeks or whatever it is, but Adam's the one who ultimately gets the ball in the hole.

"A caddie is very important at times, but you can't take anything away from what Adam did."

The 22-year-old also admitted he has found it very difficult to cope with being in the public eye since his astonishing success at Congressional.

“I've had security guards at my house every night since I won the US Open. It is something I had to put in place, I'm afraid. It's tough, but it is just the world we live in, unfortunately."